Joe Nathan: Expected To Close Next Season

GM Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that he expects Nathan to open 2015 as the Tigers' closer, James Schmehl of MLive.com reports.

Analysis:

Dombrowski added the caveat that performance will ultimately dictate roles, but it sounds like he's confident the 39-year-old right-hander will secure the ninth-inning job in the spring. Despite an absolutely dismal first half from Nathan (5.61 ERA), the Tigers stuck with him as closer all year, resulting his ninth 35-plus save campaign in his last 10 seasons.